Main Discussion Area > Primitive Skills
Hornbeam?
burchett.donald:
I have a hawk head made by KHalverson and wanted to use hornbeam from my area. Though I never worked it I know it's reputation for toughness and it's use in tool handles. I plan on cutting a piece this weekend while squirrel hunting and wanted to know how to cure it. Should I let it dry with bark on or debark? Does it check easily? Anyone with hornbeam experience please help. I have cut it while camping and know it is super hard and dense.
Thanks, Don
JEB:
I say bark off to season.
Hop Hornbeam is also referred to here in Michigan as Ironwood and has that name for a reason.lol
Pat B:
Is it American hophorn or hop hornbeam? You'd probably treat both the same.
burchett.donald:
Thanks guys, Pat it is Carpinus Caroliniana, Hornbeam without the hop...I read later after posting that some folks have had some checking problems. I wanted to do this piece justice but I guess a piece of dry hickory from the hardware store reduced would suffice, just wouldn't be as fun. Just didn't know what some folks had experienced.
Pat B:
My bad, Donald. That is what I meant. :-[ If the piece is big enough just let it check and make the handle from the unchecked part.
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